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Kenakena Primary School is a 550 student co-educational school taking students from 5 to 13 years of age through the full eight years of their primary schooling. We have been hosting International Students since 2003.
Our school is set in expansive grounds close to the beautiful Paraparaumu Beach on the sunny Kapiti Coast, adjacent to Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club and other quality sports facilities. Kenakena is a reputable school that runs quality educational programmes that attract interest from the professional education community. Our programmes deliver rich learning experiences for our students, where the development of thinking skills is a feature.
In 2018, Kenakena School was Overall Winner in the Kapiti-Horowhenua Region Business Awards. Kenakena also won the Large Business of the Year, Employer of Choice and the New Thinking achievement awards. The New Thinking award was based on the success of Kenakena’s International Education Programme.
Kenakena School and Kapiti College have developed a partnership for the quality education of International Students. Students who attend Kenakena Primary School have the option of continuing their education at the secondary level at Kapiti College. The brothers and sisters of children at Kenakena School could also attend Kapiti College (https://www.kc.school.nz/international) at the same time giving a stable family option on the beautiful Kapiti Coast. The schools are less than ten minutes apart by road.
When students from other countries come to study in New Zealand, it is important that those students are well informed, safe and properly cared for.
The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 (the Code) supports the wellbeing of tertiary and international learners enrolled with New Zealand education providers.
It sets out the requirements that education providers must meet for the wellbeing and safety of their learners.
Kenakena School is signatory to and is bound by the Code of Practice 2021, as published by the Minister of Education.
A copy of the Code can be viewed or downloaded from the NZQA website in your chosen language here.
Insurance: Medical and travel insurance is compulsory for all international students studying in New Zealand. Evidence of an insurance appropriate insurance policy (in English) should be supplied to Kenakena School as part of the application process.
We also recommend insurance for the parent accompanying the student. Kenakena School can organise insurance on your behalf.
NZ Student Plan:
NZ Visitor Plan:
https://www.uni-care.org/Content/documents/policy_wordings/NZ%20Visitor%20-%20Fr
Accident insurance
The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website.
Visa Requirements
A student visa is required for international students coming to New Zealand to study for more than three months. Accompanying parents will also require the appropriate visa and permit. For full information on visas for study from Immigration NZ, please click here
Full details of immigration requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available from Immigration New Zealand, and can be viewed on their website at www.immigration.govt.nz.
New Zealand schools are focused on the learning of individuals and the classrooms are interactive and often fun.
New Zealand has a national curriculum that guides what your child learns at school. Your child will develop a range of values and key competencies, or capabilities, that they need to succeed in life. These are all woven into the teaching of learning areas, or subjects.
More information about the New Zealand Curriculum can be found here.
Kenakena School teachers are dedicated to bringing out the best in your child whilst providing a high quality educational experience.
Your child will return home with improved English speaking skills, improved problem solving strategies, new skills, knowledge and friends.
School Dates
2025 TERM DATES
2025 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS
Please contact the International Student Administrator to discuss becoming an agent for international students studying at Kenakena School.
Accommodation
A variety of homestay accommodation can be organised through the School or if living in a self-appointed homestay, details of those arrangements must be provided to Kenakena School. All homestay accommodation is monitored by the Kenakena School Homestay Coordinator in accordance with the Code. Please note children aged under 10 must live with a parent to be enrolled.
Helpful Information -Education New Zealand – Study in New Zealand Website
NauMai NZ is for international students studying or about to study in New Zealand. It’s an opportunity to get usefull information to help you experience our land,lifestyle and culture, and navigate daily life along the way!
visit: https://naumainz.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/about-naumai-nz
Are you interested in hosting an international student at Kenakena School?
Hosting an International Student can be an enriching experience for all involved. Your family will be able to ‘show off’ some of our beautiful country and at the same time learn about a different culture from the comfort of your own home. In turn, we hope the students will leave with many happy memories of staying with a Kapiti Coast family and studying at Kenakena School.
The requirements for hosting a student are that:
Follow this link to complete a Host Application Form and our Homestay Co-Ordinator will get in touch with you with more information.